The chief of the Premier League says he would be willing to subject Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra to the fit and proper person test. Thaksin faces corruption charges in Thailand and a warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to appear in court in Bangkok on Monday.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: “If we feel the rule has been breached, we will invoke it. We have a club owner who has not yet been found guilty of any offence.”

The test was introduced to ensure that only “fit and proper people” are owners or directors of Premier League clubs. It states that “any director of a club is automatically disqualified” if convicted of one of a number of offences by a ‘competent court’ anywhere in the world.”

Thaksin is currently facing charges of corruption and abuse of power in Thailand, which he has denied.